FEAR PARALYZES

———————-—————-By Harvey Tobkes

Unfortunately, there are many brilliant people among us who for whatever reason will not attempt to acquire simple, basic computer skills to allow them to explore the limitless information available on the Internet. I have found that whatever question your mind can conceive, you can probably find an answer on the Internet. It has made a very positive change in my life, and only the other day I said to Anita in future years the advent of the computer will rank with the advent of the printing press.

Although I feel sorry for non-users, I do not feel superior; I just think they are missing out.

Perhaps it’s owing to fear, fear of failure, fear of ridicule, fear of becoming addicted. I don’t know the answer, but I know that fear can paralyze you physically and mentally. Think of someone who is afraid of heights and would never consider a flight in an airplane.

To illustrate my point, read below an excerpt from the Larry King Show interview with Roseanne Barr. I have truly admired Larry for his eloquence and knowledge, but this is a typical response from people averse to the delights of the Internet.

LARRY KING I’ve never done it, never gone searching. (On the Internet)
ROSEANNE BARR: Oh, my God! It just opens up the whole universe. It’s so awesome. You would love it.
KING: No, I wouldn’t.
ROSEANNE BARR: Anything you want to know, you can find; you would love it.
LARRY KING: The wife loves it. I wouldn’t love it. What do you punch little buttons and things?
ROSEANNE BARR: You just click on this thing. The thing is you got to be able to read, so you have to have strong glasses when you’ve over 50 and then you just scroll down and click. It’s not that hard. I can show you how to do it.LARRY KING: No, thanks!